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As any good shooter knows, a good rifle scope is crucial to a successful shot – which means the difference between a successful hunt or not.
The right scope will allow you to see your target with greater clarity and line up the perfect shot.
Here, we’re going to go over our top picks for the best rifle scope under $300.
At A Glance: Our Top Picks For Best rifle scope under $300
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Plenty of people assume that price is synonymous with quality. As a hunter, it can be tempting to opt for the most expensive gear that you can find on the market.
A quality scope doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank. You can find cheaper models for under $300 that give you everything you need for a successful hunt. Many offer the same high-tech optics as scopes in the $500 range or higher.
As long as a rifle scope offers a clear, crisp image, you don’t need to spend more for all the extra bells and whistles you see on premium scope models.
There are a lot of things to consider when looking for a budget scope. We’ve chosen our top picks for the best rifle scope under $300 based on factors such as build, optics, and ease of use.
Our favorite rifle scopes are robust enough to withstand wind, weather, and wear and tear. Most contain materials such as high-grade aluminum, which is both durable and affordable. Aluminum is also a lightweight metal, making it easier to transport scopes in your gear bag.
The best rifle scopes are shockproof to protect them from bangs, bumps, and accidental drops. We also prefer waterproof rifle scopes, though most options in the $300 and under range aren’t completely submersible.
Perhaps the most important thing to look for in any rifle scope is optics. The models on our list set themselves apart with crystal-clear magnification and coated lenses to prevent fog and moisture buildup. They give you a clear picture, no matter what the conditions.
It’s a good idea to look for a scope that offers some versatility during operation. This lets you use the same scope no matter what size the game. You can also hunt long- or short-range depending on your personal preferences.
Most of the best rifle scopes under $300 offer variable magnification. You can usually find affordable models that adjust between 3X and 9X, though some models offer an even more impressive range.
With so many scopes available on the market, it’s not always easy to find the one that’s right for you. Here, we’re going to go over our top picks for the best rifle scopes under $300.
Most buyers are pleased with the Crossfire’s optical clarity. While it doesn’t have many fancy add-ons, this scope allows for easy magnification and focusing. Both large and small-game hunters find the Crossfire ideal for improving accuracy. However, the scope doesn’t always work well in short-range scenarios.
Vortex is one of the top names in rifle scopes. Their Crossfire II is our top pick for the best rifle scope under $300. This is largely thanks to its versatile design.
The 6X to 24X magnifying range allows you to hone in on both small and large game animals without losing image resolution.
The Crossfire works well in just about all lighting, thanks to multicoated lenses. Each lens helps to reduce fog and glare, distributing light evenly for a sharper image even on sunny days.
A dead-hold BDC MOA reticle with a second focal plane allows you to estimate holdovers effortlessly to improve the success of your hunt. Even inexperienced hunters can get an accurate shot up to over 1,000 yards.
The Vortex Crossfire II is a versatile choice for hunters of any experience level. You can magnify anywhere between 6X and 24X, depending on the distance to your quarry. What’s more, a durable build and multicoated lenses allow you to break out this riflescope in any outdoor conditions, rain or shine.
Buyers agree that this scope offers great value for money. It does everything that more expensive models can do without sacrificing image quality. The built-in illumination is a convenient feature, but many buyers have found that it has short battery life. The reticle can also be a challenge for novice hunters.
This durable scope features built-in illumination, allowing you to use it in low-light conditions. You can extend your hunting hours or even branch out into new types of prey.
The Primary Arms SFP is both fog- and water-resistant to withstand even foul weather. Multicoated lenses give you a crystal clear image without harsh lighting interfering.
This rifle scope can magnify between 1X and 6X, making it ideal for medium and close-range hunting. It’s best for targets between 100 and 500 yards away.
A specially designed Advanced Combined Sighting System reticle helps to improve aim for even, consistent shooting.
The Primary Arms SFP is a good short- to mid-range scope that you can use in almost any conditions. It includes built-in illumination as well as a specially designed reticle for effortless aiming. This scope is more complicated than similar models and is best for experienced hunting enthusiasts.
According to buyers, the Burris Fullfield E1 holds up just as well as any of the company’s other top models. It offers crystal clear optics as well as an ergonomic, durable design. Some features can be difficult to adjust, making this model less versatile than others on our list. The learning curve is steep, but this riflescope offers excellent value for money.
This scope offers long-range accuracy for experienced hunters. Its unique Ballistic Plax E1 reticle design is positioned on the rear focal plane, making it easy to magnify and focus your target.
The Fullfield is more powerful than other scopes in its price range. It gives you a range of up to 500 yards and is ideal for big game hunting.
This scope is easy to use, even in poor conditions. Built-in trajectory-compensating technology helps you to track moving targets, while a cascading dot design allows you to account for wind when shooting.
This riflescope offers many of the same features as premium models but for a fraction of the cost. It allows experienced hunters to aim accurately, even at long distances. You can line up the right shot even in poor weather conditions thanks to built-in tracking features.
Buyers love the look and feel of this scope. It’s similar to more expensive models, and with proper care, holds up just as well. Users have found this scope to be durable, reliable, and offer a clear image. However, certain components may be difficult to mount and adjust as needed.
This scope has an adjustable objective lens, allowing for sharp focus on targets of all shapes and sizes. It has an impressive magnification range of 6X to 24X, and it’s effective up to more than 1,000 yards.
A user-friendly MOA reticle makes it easy to focus this rifle scope, even for those who are relatively new to hunting. A conveniently placed dial allows for reticle illumination. You can set the intensity higher or lower depending on light levels.
Even though this scope is on the cheap side, it doesn’t skimp on extras. The Monstrum G3 comes with a detachable sunshade, additional spring-loaded covers, a spare battery, and more.
The Monstrum G-3 is an ideal scope for long-range applications. You can get a crystal clear image even at over 1,000 yards, allowing for plenty of distance between you and your prey. Plenty of additional extras and features help you to save money while improving your hunting experience.
Adding a quality rifle scope to your arsenal can transform your hunting experience. There are several reasons that most experienced hunters swear by their favorite scope.
A scope magnifies any image in your hairlines, giving you a better range of vision. You can line up shots more accurately and improve your overall shooting skills.
Many prey animals have sensitive noses, and they’ll flee at the slightest whiff of a predator in the area.
While using tools such as hunting sprays and ozone generators can help, one of the best things you can do is to stay out of range of an animal.
A scope allows you to hunt your quarry from a distance. That way, you don’t have to worry about scaring them off by accident.
Using a rifle scope can help you and your hunting buddies to avoid any accidents. You can ensure that each shot you take is clear and safe. A rifle scope also eliminates the need to get too close to dangerous prey animals such as wild boars.
A good rifle scope can make all the difference when you’re out on your next hunt.
Our top picks for the best rifle scope under $300 are not only affordable, but also durable and versatile. They offer a crystal clear image to help you get the best possible shot every time.
Buying a good rifle scope is no small investment, even when it’s an affordable model. No matter what you’re looking for, it’s always a good idea to do your research ahead of time.
We’re going to cover some common questions that hunters ask when looking at rifle scopes in the $300 range.
In general, hunters follow the rule that for every 100 yards of distance, you need a scope that offers 1X magnification. If you plan on hunting game within the 300-yard range, it’s best to look for at least a 3X scope. For smaller game animals, you may need higher magnification.
If you step up in price point, you’ll find rifle scopes that offer more add-ons and features than those under $300. If you’re looking for a rifle scope under $500, we recommend models such as the Vortex Optics Viper or the Leupold VX-3i.
Joseph Fox writes on a variety of topics ranging from reloading ammunition to gun cleaning. He has been featured on various publications like thetruthaboutguns, Sofrep & many more. Joseph is also the founder of Gunloading, where he reviews different types of reloading & firearm products available on the market.
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